Michigan Milk Messenger: June 2018

Michigan 2015 Milk

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F M I C H I G A N M I L K P R O D U C E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

VOL. 100 | ISSUE 12 | JUNE 2018

THINKING OUTSIDE THE

PIZZA BOX How innovation drives Leprino Foods Company, the 2018 MMPA Valued Partner award winner

mimilk.com

Our aseptic port, sterile collection units and peristaltic pump continually draw samples throughout the milking process, delivering truly representative samples.

And, the QualiTru TruStream Sampling System™ can be retrofitted to any direct load system in just minutes. With QualiTru Sampling Systems, there are never any questions about the milk quality of any load.

Get a better look at all the QualiTru advantages at qualitru.com.

qualitru.com

3-A Sanitary Standard Certified

JUNE 2018 FEATURES BRIDGES THE INFORMATION GAP 14 | ALM FOR AGRICULTURE

On the Cover The world’s love affair with pizza is insatiable. Topping a large amount of these pizzas is Leprino Foods Company, a partner with MMPA for over 30 years. Learn more about how Leprino Foods drives innovation in their pizza cheese on page 18.

Ag Leaders of Michigan, founded seven years ago, is a coalition of agricultural, commodity and agri-business leaders committed to promoting Michigan agriculture, participating in the ongoing dialogue about issues affecting the state, and harnessing agriculture’s power and potential to further grow Michigan’s economy.

18 | THINKING OUTSIDE THE PIZZA BOX

Behind some of the most well-known pizza makers in the world, stands an innovative company who has made itself the largest pizza cheese manufacturer in the world: Leprino Foods Company.

PROACTIVITY IS A KEY DRIVER 24 |

FOR THE FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP MODULE

MMPA is proactively working alongside its peers in the dairy industry to accurately depict the environmental impact of dairy farming through tools like the FARM Environmental Stewardship module.

Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), established in 1916, is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 1,700 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

3

“

After we lost our herdsman, we were stuck without the help and time needed to breed cows and administer our synchronization program. We interviewed, but didn’t find the right person; allthe-while our pregnancy rate began to decrease.

After talking to another dairy producer who was raving about the results of CowManager we decided it was time to give it a try.

CowManager has improved my daily routine significantly by freeing up the hours I used to spend checking for heats and administering our synchronization program. We receive alerts straight to our phones which tell us which animal is in heat and where in her cycle she is.

Month after month we keep hitting it out of the ball park on our pregnancy check. In fact, now our worst month for pregnancies is still better than what we were averaging before installing CowManager. The accuracy that CowManager has provided has allowed us to eliminate our synchronization program entirely.

We saved so much money with CowManager that we expanded it to include our heifers. CowManager has already proved its worth and has provided all of the advantages it promised.

“

~Jim Slavik, Ashley, Michigan

Talk to your NorthStar Rep or call 800.631.3510 to learn more about CowManager. ®CowManager is a registered trademark of Agis Automatisering.

CONTENTS 6

8

MMPA MATTERS Building awareness of the goodness of milk

“We need more people talking about

through the UDIM Dairy Grant Program

agriculture. The more voices we

QUALITY WATCH

have, the larger impact we make.”

Maximizing your energy efficiencies

10

NEWS & VIEWS

12

LEGISLATIVE WATCH

DEPARTMENTS

17

INDIANA MILK QUALITY CONFERENCE

29

MERCHANDISE

30

QUALITY PREMIUMS

23

OYDC SNAPSHOT: SCOTT AND MELINDA PARR

26 28

– DONNA MOENNING (PAGE 26)

31 POLICIES 32 FREELINERS

CONSUMERS HUNGRY FOR INFORMATION: MMPA DAIRY COMMUNICATOR MEETING

33 CLASSIFIEDS

YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

35 STAFF

34

MARKET REPORT

MMPA Core Values: » Quality » Integrity » Progress » Leadership » Community Managing Editor................................................ Sheila Burkhardt Editors.............................. Allison Stuby Miller, Krista Schrock Advertising Manager......................................Nancy Muszynski Circulation..................................................................................... 2,609 An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D Michigan Milk Messenger (USPS 345-320) is the official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association, published monthly since June 1919. Subscriptions: MMPA members, 50¢ per year; non-members, $5 per year.

41310 Bridge Street P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376-8002

p: 248-474-6672 f: 248-474-0924 w: mimilk.com

Periodical postage paid at Novi, MI and at additional offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Michigan Milk Messenger, PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002.

(ISSN 0026-2315)

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

5

MMPA MATTERS

Building awareness of the goodness of milk through the UDIM Dairy Grant Program

BY KEN NOBIS, MMPA PRESIDENT

April 28 was a chilly, blustery Saturday, but a local 5K event went forward as planned to raise money for a very worthy cause. The Voice for Clinton County’s Children is made up of two components: a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), volunteers who are appointed by the court to children who have entered the foster care system due to abuse or neglect. Our family is involved in this, because my wife has been a volunteer advocate for several years.

“After the race, cow bells were heard ringing frequently, the sound carrying through the park on the strong winds.

I’m not sure how popular the bells were with parents, but I’m sure they will be reminded by their kids to buy more chocolate milk.”

I am also involved in the race as a result of being a dairy producer who belongs to MMPA, which makes me eligible to apply for funding from the Dairy Grant Program managed by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM). The Grant Program provides promotional funding in support of the dairy industry for certain types of events. In this case, we were approved for funding to purchase chocolate milk to be made available at the finish line of the 5K as a refuel beverage after a physical workout.

The race is billed as the “2018 Superhero 5K Run, Walk or Fly!” Fly, of course, because they are Superheroes! The Superheroes came in all ages from stroller riders to great grandparents, and many of them – of all ages – came dressed as their favorite superheroes.

The Kids’ Dash that starts the event is especially fun to watch, since most of them are in full superhero form. I know the attendees numbered over 200 because UDIM provided 200 bottles of milk, and there were none left at the end of the event.

We also provided goodie bags to hold treats and various items from other donors, as well as from UDIM. The two most popular dairy items were the chocolate milk and miniature cow bells with the tagline “Milk Means More” printed on them. After the race, cow bells were heard ringing frequently, the sound carrying through the park on the strong winds.

I’m not sure how popular the bells were with parents, but I’m sure they will be reminded by their kids to buy more chocolate milk.

In other years I have walked the course with a grandkid or two or three, but this year I stayed back so I could observe the participants to see how many took a chocolate milk and to encourage them that it was the best refuel product to consume after physical activity. I was intrigued by what I observed and learned.

Generally, what I noticed during my unscientific research was that the kids went for the milk immediately while the adults, especially the true runners, first took water or a sports drink and then came back later for the milk. I visited with a friend who is a serious runner, and he wanted to make sure before the race started that he would find chocolate milk at the finish line. One of the most interesting was a mother with two young kids, one in a stroller, as she took what seemed like forever to read the milk labels. (As it turned out we had several different brands of milk.) The longer she read, the more certain I was that she would walk away without taking any milk, but I was wrong … each of her kids got milk.

I left the event feeling good about the day. We were part of a successful fundraiser, over $16,000 raised, and I was gratified to see firsthand how the Dairy Grant Program helps build awareness of the goodness of milk. The Grant Program is just one small slice of the great work UDIM does to promote dairy products, not only in this dairy month of June but year around!

6

MESSENGER | JUNE 2018

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

7

QUALITY WATCH

Maximizing Your Energy Efficiencies

BY KATIE PIERSON, MERCHANDISE COORDINATOR AND ENERGY AUDITOR

Studies have shown that dairy farming is an energy intensive process. The average Energy Utilization Index (EUI) for Michigan dairy farms is 751 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per cow per year. There are five main areas that can offer the most savings when attempting to maximize your energy efficiency: milk harvesting, milk cooling, lighting, water heating and ventilation.

You can call your utilities customer service department or visit their website to get more information on their energy optimization programs.

MMPA ON-FARM AUDITS — MMPA now offers two types of energy audits. The first is an

advisory audit, which is a quick glance at your facility. One of our energy audit team members focuses on the area(s) where the biggest savings can be found. They do a facility walk-through and do a simple evaluation.

The second, the tier II audit, is an in depth look at your facility. The team member records every light, motor, water heater, pumps, etc. For each item that uses energy we also need age, usage and the specific energy requirements. We review the last two to three years of utility bills to compile a comprehensive energy efficiency report for the facility.

“The average Energy Utilization Index (EUI) for Michigan dairy farms is 751 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per cow per year.”

MILK HARVEST — Vacuum pumps need to be sized to provide adequate vacuum in the

event of considerable air loss in the system. Because we can’t predict when this will happen, the vacuum pump will typically run at full capacity at all times. The more efficient way to run the pump would be utilizing a variable frequency drive (VFD) to control the vacuum pump. A VFD will also reduce noise, make the vacuum pump last longer and supply a stable level of vacuum during milking without it running at full capacity through the entire milking period.

MILK COOLING — The Michigan Farm Energy Audit Technical (MFEAT) guide estimates that it takes .8- 1.2 kWh to cool one cwt. of milk using no energy conservation methods. By using a VFD to control the milk flow through the milk pump, the cooling can be more efficiently utilized in the plate cooler. The MFEAT guide provided an estimate of 20 percent energy savings if this Energy Conservation Measure (ECM) is put into practice.

Plate cooler maintenance is easily overlooked. A plate cooler can lose its efficiency over time due to water calcification on the water side of the plates. It is recommended to have your equipment dealer flush the plate cooler periodically to remove this calcification and thus keeping this important piece of equipment working as efficiently as possible.

LIGHTING — The most efficient and economical bulb choices are, in order, LED, high

pressure sodium, metal halide, mercury vapor and fluorescent. LED’s have lower operating costs, lower maintenance costs, shed more lumens, are the only light that is truly dimmable and love cold weather.

WATER HEATING — Hot water is essential to ensuring a quality product is delivered to the processing plant. The place to find savings in this area is utilizing a heat reclaimer in conjunction with a water heater. A heat reclaimer is designed to capture the heat produced by the bulk tank compressors and can raise the well water temperature from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

VENTILATION — Fans should be cleaned per manufacturer’s recommendation, as dust on

motors creates heat which reduces efficiency and dust on the blades reduces CFM capacity. A VFD can also be utilized in this area as well. Having the fans properly spaced and controlled by a thermostat and humidistat can limit the energy draw to when its really needed.

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN HAVING AN ENERGY ADVISORY OR TIER II AUDIT COMPLETED ON YOUR FARM, PLEASE CONTACT KATIE AT THE MMPA MERCHANDISE WAREHOUSE AT 877-367-6455.

8

MESSENGER | JUNE 2018

SENECA DAIRY SYSTEMS, LLC

• BARN CURTAINS • LOCKUPS MORE THAN A SUPPLIER...

A PARTNER. • MATTRESSES • WATERERS

A family owned business since 1978, Seneca Dairy Systems is more than just a barn • STALL SYSTEMS • GATES equipment supplier; we are a dairy solutions provider, and an invested Partner in the • AND MORE! success of our customer’s project. From beginning to the very end, SENECA provides customer service of unparalleled quality; before, during and long after the sale.

• FREESTALLS • LOCKUPS • GATES • MATTRESSES • CURTAIN SYSTEMS • TIP TANKS • CALF PENS & MORE!

1-888-3SENECA

3 7 3 - 6 3 2 2

MORE THAN A SUPPLIER, A PARTNER.

CALL US OR STOP BY 1888 128th Ave, Hopkins, MI 49328

Innovation - Experience - Support

POWERED BY SENECA IRON WORKS

TONS OF INVENTORY!

senecadairysystems.com

Made in the

SDS_Milk_Messenger_JUNE_AD_20apr18_FINAL.indd 1

4/20/18 12:01 PM

SALUTING THE DAIRY INDUSTRY June is National Dairy Month, but our appreciation for America’s dairy producers goes well beyond one month.

From grinding through the long days to planning out every meticulous detail, we admire your work ethic and dedication to help feed the country and the world. It’s for this reason that we strive every day to help dairy farmers maximize their herd’s potential and ensure prosperity in the dairy industry for years to come.

So, to dairy farmers everywhere, Agri-King salutes you.

“CAPTURING THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE IN FEEDS IS THE KEY TO PROFIT.” JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

9

NEWS & VIEWS

Fluctuation of prices still concerning The USDA announced that the April Class III price is $14.47 per hundredweight, up 25 cents from March's price, but 75 cents less than April 2017. The Class IV price was $13.48, 44 cents more than March’s price but 53 cents lower than last April.

Producers Scoring 95 Percent or Higher on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check Ratings Weil Dairy Farm Susan Stewart Thistle Dew Dairy * Petzold Dairy Farms LLC Weber Family Dairy LLC * Eric Frahm * Roger Weiss Krafft Farms LLC Haubenstricker Dairy Farm LLC *100 percent

Upcoming Events JUNE 6 Dairy Day at the Capitol, Lansing JUNE 27-28 MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Tour, Novi JULY 9 Advisory Committee Meeting, Novi JULY 16-20 Michigan Dairy Expo, East Lansing JULY 18 Great Dairy Adventure, East Lansing 10

MESSENGER | MAY 2018

Volunteer for the Great Dairy Adventure MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND PLAN TO ATTEND THE 21ST GREAT DAIRY ADVENTURE ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, FROM 9:30 A.M. TO 2:30 P.M.

This event is geared towards families, daycare centers, summer camps and anyone who wants to learn more about dairy farming while sampling free ice cream and other dairy products. Pack up the kids, a camera and the picnic basket, and head out to the MSU Pavilion for a “dairy” fun-filled day!

Attendees will have a chance to try milking a cow, create a variety of craft projects, experiment with dairy recipes, pet calves and learn about the steps milk takes on its journey from cow to grocery store to the family table. There will be samples of dairy foods, giveaways, and hands-on activities teaching the nutritional benefits of dairy foods. MSU student athletes will also be on hand for autographs.

The Great Dairy Adventure is part of the annual Michigan Dairy Expo, which takes place July 16-20, students from 4-H clubs and FFA chapters across the state take part in education skills contest during the week, and hundreds of cows will be exhibited by their owners in various breed shows.

MMPA MEMBERS INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT THIS YEAR’S GREAT DAIRY ADVENTURE MAY CONTACT JESSICA WELCH AT 248-474-6672, EXT. 303 OR JWELCH@MIMILK.COM.

MMPA Members Break Quality Record In April, MMPA members achieved an average Somatic Cell Count (SCC) of 150,000! This is the lowest average SCC our producers have accomplished thus far. A low SCC is an indicator of a high-quality, shelf-stable product attainable through maintaining the highest standards on the farm. This new quality record is proof of MMPA members’ dedication to producing high quality milk to the marketplace.

2018 Hauler Meetings All meetings: 6:15 PM social, 7:00 PM dinner WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2018 Maddalena's 4166 Lake Michigan Drive Grand Rapids, MI 49534

MMPA Advisory Committee DISTRICT 1 Scott Ferry, Litchfield............................517-214-3298 Jeff Horning, Manchester....................734-428-8610 Brad Hart, Clayton..................................517-445-2649

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Woodland Hills Golf Club 320 Gates Rd Sandusky, MI 48471

Daniel Minnis, Dansville.......................517-521-3529 Art Riske, Hanover..................................517-524-6015

DISTRICT 2 Mark Crandall, Battle Creek.................269-660-2229 Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN.........574-825-2454 Danny Ransler, Gobles..........................269-998-3802

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2018 Riverwood Resort 1313 East Broomfield

Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

Dan Ritter, Potterville............................517-645-7318 Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN.......574-825-5198

DISTRICT 3 Tim Butler, Sand Lake............................269-330-5538 Bill Gruppen, Zeeland...........................616-520-5143 Bill Stakenas, Free Soil...........................231-425-6913 Burke Larsen, Scottville........................231-425-8988 Gary Nelsen, Grant.................................231-834-7610

DISTRICT 4 Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth.................425-533-8106 Jeremy Werth, Alpena...........................989-464-4022 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard....................906-630-1957 Russ Tolan, Ossineke..............................989-471-2993

Indiana Undeniably Dairy Resources The American Dairy Association of Indiana is a local check off organization that works to showcase the nutritional value of dairy products and the irreplaceability of the dairy farms and farmers who produce them.

The association offers farm tour and other promotional materials, can help you respond to media inquiries or answer questions about dairy that you get from friends, neighbors, or on social media, and provide trainings to help you better communicate with neighbors, use social media, or act as a media spokesperson for your farm. Visit their website, https://winnersdrinkmilk.com, for more information!

If you are interested in receiving any materials, participating in a training, or if you have any questions about check off or how to help promote dairy, please contact Jackie Barber at 317-842-3060 or barber@winnersdrinkmilk.com.

Ron Lucas, Posen....................................989-379-4694

DISTRICT 5 Robert Lee, Marion................................231-743-6794 Mike Rasmussen, Edmore...................989-304-0233 Tom Jeppesen, Stanton........................989-506-5287 Bruce Benthem, McBain.......................231-920-1615 Amy Martin, Leroy..................................231-388-0496

DISTRICT 6 David Reed, Owosso..............................989-723-2023 Mike Halfman, St. Johns.......................989-640-1962 Aaron Gasper, Lowell............................616-897-2747 Steve Thelen, Fowler.............................989-690-1075 Brad Ritter, Byron....................................586-405-4749

DISTRICT 7 John Bennett, Prescott.........................989-345-4264 Rodney Fowler, Chesaning.................989-302-2299 Scott Kleinhardt, Clare..........................989-386-8037 Philip Gross, Weidman..........................989-289-0670 Jason Elenbaum, Mayville...................989-274-1974

DISTRICT 8 Bill Blumerich, Berlin.............................810-706-2955 Darwin Sneller, Sebewaing.................989-977-3718 Mike Noll, Croswell.................................810-404-4071 Mike Bender, Croswell..........................810-404-2140

DAIRYGOOD.ORG/UNDENIABLY-DAIRY

Nick Leipprandt, Pigeon......................517-897-4155

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

11

LEGISLATIVE WATCH

Senate Ag Committee Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Support Michigan Farmer Veterans THE FARMER VETERAN OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2018 WOULD STREAMLINE REQUIREMENTS TO INCREASE ELIGIBILITY AND EXPAND SUPPORT FOR MICHIGAN VETERANS IN AGRICULTURE

U

nited States Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry joined committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) to introduce new legislation that expands support for Michigan veterans in agriculture. The Farmer Veteran Opportunity Act of 2018 makes all new veterans eligible for support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The bill also improves access for Michigan farmer veterans across eight existing initiatives to make risk management tools more affordable, expand access to land and capital, and prioritize training for veterans.

“Agriculture offers Michigan veterans rewarding careers and the opportunity to continue serving our nation by feeding our families,” said Senator Stabenow. “After putting their lives on the line, our veterans should be first in line for support that can help them find jobs in farming and grow their agricultural businesses.”

“When our veterans retire from active service, whether here or abroad, they need certainty and opportunity,”

said Senator Roberts. “I’m proud to cosponsor a bill that allows men and women who have served our country to return to the farm.”

The legislation expands support to all new veterans who may have existing careers in agriculture. Currently, the USDA’s veterans initiatives are designed to support those who are starting a career in agriculture for the first time. This common-sense change ensures that all new farmer veterans will be able to benefit from support, whether they are just starting a career on the farm or looking to expand their operation.

Additionally, the bill would help farmer veterans receive better assistance from existing farm programs, including more-affordable risk management tools like crop insurance to help them recover from unexpected losses. Because many farmer veterans also face barriers to accessing land and capital to start or expand their farms, the legislation would make farmer veterans eligible for down payment loans when purchasing real estate and would provide priority access for reduced interest rates on loans to buy farmland or finance

production equipment. Veterans would also receive priority access for additional training and education opportunities to help them navigate their crop insurance options and meet food safety standards.

The Farmer Veteran Opportunity Act of 2018 builds on a number of provisions in the current Farm Bill championed by Senator Stabenow to strengthen support for farmer veterans. For the first time, the Farm Bill created a Military Veteran Agricultural Liaison position to advocate for farmer veterans at the USDA. In order to help farmer veterans overcome the barriers many new farmers face, the Farm Bill prioritized veteran access to training resources and financing through short-term, low-interest loans. The bill also made it easier to participate in voluntary conservation initiatives.

The bipartisan bill is supported by the both the Farmer Veteran Coalition and the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Michigan, in addition to Michigan Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

“Agriculture allows our veterans to continue serving our country by growing the food on our plates and the fuel in our vehicles. Senator Stabenow is a true champion for Michigan’s farmer veterans and I appreciate her work to connect veterans like me with opportunities on the farm.”

—NICK BABCOCK, PRESIDENT, FARMER VETERAN COALITION OF MICHIGAN

12

MESSENGER | JUNE 2018

Reduced aerobic spoilage and improved silage bunk life

How cool is that?

Ecocool inoculants improve fermentation and reduce aerobic spoilage in silages and grain crops so there is more, better-quality feed available.

• Contains L. plantarum strain MTD/1, the world’s most proven Lactobacilius strain • Plus L. buchneri strain PJB/1 for improved feedout and bunk life

Telephone 866-666-7626 ADMAnimalNutrition.com

Ecocool Grain

» ALM «

BRIDGING THE INFORMATION GAP FOR AGRICULTURE

BY MELISSA HART THE INFORMATION AGE HAS USHERED THE WORLD INTO A PLACE WHERE INSTANT KNOWLEDGE IS DELIVERED WITH A SIMPLE SEARCH. BUT GETTING THE CORRECT INFORMATION TO THE INFLUENCERS AT THE RIGHT LEVELS TO GENERATE POSITIVE RESULTS FOR MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE STILL REQUIRES A SPECIAL FOCUS.

T

he Agricultural Leaders of Michigan (ALM) were formed to take on that challenge. The organization, founded seven years ago, is a coalition of agricultural, commodity and agri-business leaders committed to promoting Michigan agriculture, participating in the ongoing dialogue about issues affecting the state, and harnessing agriculture’s power and potential to further grow Michigan’s economy.

Today ALM focuses on many issues, from trade, to the upcoming Farm Bill and the future of the rural economy.

As an integral part of Michigan’s agricultural sector, the Michigan Milk Producers Association has been a member from the beginning. Other members of the coalition include GreenStone Farm Credit Services; the Michigan Agri-Business Association; Michigan Soybean Promotion

MMPA PRESIDENT KEN NOBIS SPEAKS AT A CANDIDATE FORUM HOSTED BY ALM AT ZEELAND FARM SERVICES, INC. IN ZEELAND, MI ON MAY 8, 2018.

PHOTO CREDIT: ALM.

14

MESSENGER | JUNE 2018

Committee and Michigan Soybean Association; and the Michigan Pork Producers Association.

Because legislators represent a diverse constituency, ALM hosts many different events throughout the year, including “Lunch and Learn” events to provide a chance for lawmakers, their staff and executive branch officials from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to zero in on key issues in the industry.

MMPA hosted a Lunch and Learn on May 21 to provide education about MMPA and Michigan's dairy industry.

“The Agricultural Leaders of Michigan are an excellent resource for elected officials and their staff members in Lansing because ALM’s many activities keep them up to date and informed on key issues affecting the agriculture industry,” said Travis Howell, who has served in multiple staff roles for Lansing policymakers.

“Legislative staff are often handling many different issues, so events like the Lunch and Learns hosted by ALM provide a focus on Michigan agriculture to ensure agricultural issues remain top of mind,” he continued. “It’s a great way for those who may not have a background in agriculture to learn more about the issues facing farmers and rural business owners statewide.”

ALM has not let any grass grow under their feet as they have hosted several informational activities in the first few months of 2018.

Trade has been in the headlines, with a renewed focus on the future of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and partnership with China.

ALM has frequently discussed the importance of trade with members of the Michigan media, emphasizing the “Mend it, don’t end it” message

MMPA JOINED ALM TO HOST A LUNCH AND LEARN FOR NEARLY 40 LEGISLATIVE STAFFERS IN THE MICHIGAN HOUSE AND SENATE ON MAY 21, 2018. MMPA PRESIDENT KEN NOBIS LED A DISCUSSION ABOUT MMPA AND MICHIGAN’S DAIRY INDUSTRY. PHOTO CREDIT: ALM.

on NAFTA and the importance of expanding markets in Asia through new trade partnerships. The coalition has issued many press releases and hosted a March media conference that resulted in statewide press coverage.

In March, MMPA leaders and board members had an opportunity to meet for breakfast with several members of Michigan’s Congressional delegation, as part of a regular breakfast hosted by ALM in Washington, DC. Following coffee with the members of Congress, ALM members also received policy update briefings from staff of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee.

This spring, ALM conducted briefings across Michigan to help candidates for office learn more about the industry and the work of MMPA. President Ken Nobis provided an overview of the cooperative at the

briefings and answered questions from candidates - an important way to build relationships with those who will shape policy in Michigan in the years to come.

A wide range of topics are highlighted at ALM events – from updates on crop progress to challenges from disease and weather events to nutrition guidelines and opportunities to increase exports from Michigan.

MMPA provided an update for these staff members in December 2017 and will meet again in 2018.

In addition, ALM members have an opportunity to record a short weekly radio interview on key topics facing the ag industry. Multiple MMPA leaders have discussed trade, market issues and the importance of the cooperative model in interviews that are distributed to radio stations throughout Michigan.

ALM CONTINUES TO PRESS ON TO PROMOTE MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE AND SHARE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE INDUSTRY WITH POLICYMAKERS, THE MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC. FOLLOW ALM ON FACEBOOK BY VISITING WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/AGLEADERSMI AND ON TWITTER BY VISITING WWW.TWITTER.COM/AGLEADER_MI. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AGRICULTURAL LEADERS OF MICHIGAN BY VISITING WWW.AGLEADERSMI.COM.

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

15

Your navigational tool for profitable lactation.

Scan to visit our online Dealer Locator.

The road to profitable lactation is highly influenced by dry and transition cow nutrition. Destiny™ incorporates ADM technologies along with leading industry technologies to smooth the road for dairy cows to enter the milking herd refreshed and healthy.

Contact us today to learn more.

ADMAnimalNutrition.com 866-666-7626 • AN_DairyHelp@adm.com 16

MESSENGER | JUNE 2018

PERSEVERANCE AND EMPOWERMENT 2018 INDIANA MILK QUALITY PROFESSIONALS MEETING

BY KRISTA SCHROCK

W

ith challenging times in the dairy industry, perseverance and empowerment have a whole new meaning. Farmers, industry professionals and even dairy product enthusiasts feel the market pressures.

However, with every storm, there comes a rainbow.

With a packed two-day program, dairy farmers and industry professionals, including several MMPA member representatives, gathered in Ft. Wayne, Indiana in April for the 19th Indiana Milk Quality Professionals Annual Conference (IMQP). The annual conference speakers and panelists focused on this year’s theme, “Perseverance and Empowerment.”

Starting the first day off was WOWO Radio’s Rob Winters. Winters shared an inspiring welcome to conference attendees to Ft. Wayne. He encouraged everyone to promote agriculture, share their stories and have the tough conversations with consumers explaining what happens on dairy farms curating our own message.

Along with several updates from various agriculture and dairy organizations, the conference had two panel discussions.

The first was focusing on transportation of milk and milk products from the farm to the consumer. Panelists shared transport challenges and the value of milk haulers ensuring safe delivery of products to the marketplace.

The second panel discussion included representatives from Kuehnert Fall Festival, Fair Oak Farms, and MMPA member Cynthia Adam from Knollbrook Farm iGoshen, Indiana. Each told their story of how they share the dairy message with groups at their events. According to

the panelists, knowing where the milk comes from and how the animals are cared for are top priorities of visitors.

“We get a large variety of visitors to our farm—school groups, families and even groups from assisted living centers.

People can go through our dairy and Indiana history themed corn maze and enjoy dairy products while at the farm.

No one should leave our farm without learning something,” shared Adam.

the food is stored with delivery services such as Amazon Prime and Shipt.

“A significant percent of people surveyed rank price above all other factors in purchasing dairy products which worries me from an economic standpoint,” said Dr. Olynk-Widmar.

She explained that studies such as hers can help empower the dairy industry to better understand and market to consumers and persevere through educating the public about how and where their dairy products come from.

“As we move forward and think about what people are shopping for, remember, affordable and safe food ranks highest in a very large portion of the U.S. population,” concluded Dr. Olynk-Widmar.

Laurie Richards, an international speaker and speaking coach, spoke on both days of the conference. Richards talked to group about “avoiding geek speak,” empowering them to better communicate the dairy message to consumers. She shared that teaching using analogies and examples rather than acronyms because people don’t like to feel uneducated.

“To be effective in communication of any kind, you need to bridge the gap and build trust. If they don’t trust you, they won’t listen,” said Richards.

“As a technical professional, you need to be able to speak and make recommendations in such a way is to that they understand and listen you as well as do what you want them to do.”

Ending the conference was Dr. Nicole Olynk-Widmar of Purdue University whose research is focused on agriculture perceptions and insights. Dr. OlynkWidmar shared statistics on priorities of consumers purchasing dairy products such as brand, animal care and price among others in importance when making purchase decisions. She also shared that in terms of consumers, not only are they getting further removed from the farms, but now consumers are getting further removed from where

LR&A, INC. OWNER AND FOUNDER, LAURIE RICHARDS ADDRESSES ATTENDEES AT THE IMQP CONFERENCE.

SHARING ABOUT THE KNOLLBROOK FALL FEST WAS MMPA MEMBER, CYNTHIA ADAM.

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

17

How innovation drives Leprino Foods Company, the 2018 MMPA Valued Partner award winner

BY ALLISON STUBY MILLER

THINKING OUTSIDE THE

PIZZA BOX 18

MESSENGER | JUNE 2018

Americans love pizza.

I know it. You know it.

The cheesemakers of the world know it.

Even the USDA reports one in eight Americans will open that familiar cardboard box and devour a slice of pizza every day.

It doesn’t stop at the U.S. border. Global demand for pizza is growing, with brands like Michigan-based Domino’s selling more than 500 million pizzas worldwide each year.

But where would pizza be without cheese? Some may say the perfect cheese makes the perfect pizza. Then, of course, the best milk makes the best cheese. Behind some of the most well-known pizza makers in the world, stands an innovative company that has made itself the largest pizza cheese manufacturer in the world: Leprino Foods Company.

LEPRINO FOODS PLANT IN ALLENDALE, MICHIGAN.

Better yet, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) teams up with Leprino Foods to supply some of the milk to make all that great cheese for the world’s pizzas.

After over 30 years of being “Partners in Progress,” MMPA honored Leprino Foods at its 102nd Annual State Delegate Meeting with the Valued Partner award on March 15. The award program, now in its second year, recognizes an organization that shares values with MMPA and demonstrates a steadfast commitment to working alongside MMPA. “We are grateful for our mutually-beneficial relationship with Leprino Foods. Together, our quality milk and Leprino Foods’ innovative technology creates value for the industry and MMPA dairy farmers.

Our work with Leprino Foods showcases the lasting power of collaboration,” says Joe Diglio, MMPA General Manager.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

19

A pizza cheesemaker is born The road to pizza cheese prominence for Leprino Foods was paved with product expertise, innovation and a “relentless pursuit of quality.” The starting point was in Denver, Colorado in a small corner grocery store.

“Leprino Foods has a very special history,” says Mike Durkin, president of Leprino Foods.

The company’s founder, Mike Leprino, Sr., began making Italian cheese in the store in 1950, under the “Gina Marie” brand. “The name symbolized the highest quality and standards of Leprino Foods’ products,” Durkin explained.

Current chairman of Leprino Foods, Jim Leprino, joined the family business in 1956 with an eye on a growing demand for pizza. Eating habits were undergoing a shift during this time as dinner habits changed and soldiers returning home from World War II had developed a taste for pizza.

Neighborhood pizzerias were popping up across the country and today’s pizza chain giants were first opening their doors. America’s love for pizza was budding.

Jim Leprino envisioned a way to capitalize on this trend. He wanted his family’s cheese on top of the ever-increasing number of pizzas in America, beginning the company’s drive to innovate.

“We have an innovation mindset that has been at the heart of our success since we started,” Durkin stated. “Over the last 65 years, we’ve perfected the traditional mozzarella cheese making process, using patented technology to create outstanding products for pizzerias and people at home.”

“…with its significant role in the Michigan milk supply picture, MMPA was a perfect partner.”

20

MESSENGER | JUNE 2018

Moving to Michigan By the 1980s, Leprino Foods was continuing its growth through innovation to become the company it is today. The company had entered the international market for the first time with exports to Japan, added plants in New York, Pennsylvania and California, and launched the company’s game-changer: “Quality Locked Cheese®” (QLC), which is quick frozen shredded or diced cheese, ideal for meeting the needs of pizza chains.

With more forecasted development, the company turned its attention to the Midwest, and specifically, Michigan.

“Michigan’s healthy milk shed, its dedicated dairy farmers, its good location and strong local government support made it an excellent location for us to produce the highest quality cheese and dairy ingredients for our customers and consumers throughout the world,” Durkin explained. “And with its significant role in the Michigan milk supply picture, MMPA was a perfect partner.”

Then, on a mild spring day in 1988, ceremonial gold painted shovels punctured the earth in Allendale, Michigan. They were marking the construction of a new mozzarella cheese plant, owned by a farmer’s cooperative and managed by a rapidly growing cheese company. Wielding those shovels were MMPA’s own Elwood Kirkpatrick, alongside then Governor of Michigan, Jim Blanchard, and then president of Leprino Foods, Wes Allen.

The ceremony came about after extended negotiations between Leprino Foods and MMPA to form a 20-year, two-plant agreement. MMPA and Leprino Foods together built the plant in Allendale and converted MMPA’s plant in Remus, Michigan to mozzarella cheese production.

“It was a complicated arrangement that required vision and faith in each other’s abilities,” reflected Carl Rasch, MMPA’s former director of milk sales.

With anticipated growth of mozzarella cheese and pizza demand, MMPA and Leprino Foods were well positioned for the future. “[The MMPA-Leprino agreement means] MMPA members’ milk will be used to an even greater extent in the fastest growing segment of the dairy business: mozzarella cheese,” Walt Wosje, former MMPA general manager, said at the onset of the partnership.

And today, the relationship has proved fruitful. The two plants in Michigan, now fully owned and operated by Leprino Foods, initially processed 2.2 million pounds of milk per day, but have since grown by 60 percent.

“The mutually beneficial partnership we have with MMPA is a great example of collaboration and cooperation that has been a key element in our growth over the past 30 years,” says Durkin.

“The relationship we’ve had with MMPA, and its dairy farmer members, has enabled us to expand our business and customer base, while supporting growth for Michigan’s dairy industry, which is vital to our future success as well.”

More pizza, more cheese innovation Leprino Foods’ predictions of more growth in pizza—and its cheese—came true. In 1987, American per capita consumption of mozzarella cheese was 5.6 pounds. Fast forward 30 years and mozzarella cheese consumption has more than doubled to almost 12 pounds per person per year.

4,300

“Our success is tied to our customers’ success.”

POUND OF CHEESE Donated to the Food Bank Council of Michigan by Leprino Foods Company in conjunction with the Valued Partner award

In the mid-2000s, mozzarella beat out cheddar as the most popular cheese variety and has remained number one ever since. Mozzarella can thank the $128 billion global pizza industry for its acceleration to the top.

Quality, delicious cheese propels the value of those pizzas. As Durkin puts it, “Our obsession with quality, taste and innovation has made more than just our customers happy—their customers love our cheese too.”

Leprino Foods is a prominent contributer to the pizza cheese market as the world’s largest mozzarella cheese manufacturer, but also has a strong presence in nutrition products used in infant formula and sports nutrition.

The company employs more than 4,000 people and has nine manufacturing plants in the United States. Their global reach includes sales in 40 countries, offices in Asia and joint ventures in the United Kingdom and Brazil.

“Our success is tied to our customers’ success. That’s why we challenge ourselves to think like our customers and create products that perform optimally for each individual application and end use,” says Durkin.

Leprino Foods focuses on research and development to create technological advances in their products, according to Durkin. Patented products like the QLC, which is made in Allendale, are developed specifically with customers’ needs in mind.

worked. He hopes continued innovation in cheese and nutrition, while focusing on quality, service, competitive price and ethics, will guide continued success.

“Another great example with a Michigan connection is our collaboration with a major customer to pioneer a string cheese product, made in our Remus plant for cheese stuffed pizza crust,” he elaborates.

“Not only has stuffed crust been enduringly popular, but it continues to be produced at our Remus facility.”

“Michigan dairy farmers are passionate, hard-working and committed to producing day in and day out, the high-quality milk that is the number one ingredient in our cheese and dairy ingredients,” he concludes. “On behalf of all the people at Leprino Foods, thank you for your extraordinary dedication and support over the last 30 years.”

According to Durkin, Leprino Foods’ future involves sticking to what’s

But one thing is certain—you need great milk to make great cheese.

REMUS

ALLENDALE

EMPLOYEES: 145+

EMPLOYEES: 275+

POUNDS OF MILK RECEIVED PER DAY: 800,000

POUNDS OF MILK RECEIVED PER DAY: 2.5 million

PRODUCTS: Mozzarella String cheese, Condensed Whey Liquid

REMUS

ALLENDALE

PRODUCTS: Shredded & Diced Quality Locked Cheese®, Individually Quick-Frozen, Gas-flushed cheese, Bulk Ribbon™ and Sweet Whey

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

21

FINANCIAL TROUBLES DUE TO

SAGGING MILK PRICES?

GIVE US YOUR BEST SHOT 2018 MMPA Photo Contest Submit your best high resolution photos for consideration in the MMPA photo contest by August 1, 2018.

Three winners will be selected and win prizes including a $100 certificate to the member merchandise program and publication in the Michigan Milk Messenger.

WE CAN HELP!

PUT 100+ YEARS’ SHARED EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR YOU! ■ Stop Foreclosure

■ Stop Lawsuits

■ Stop Repossession

■ Stop Tax Levies &

■ Stop Creditor

Harassment

■ Stop Pay Day Loans

Wage Garnishments

■ Help With Past Due

Taxes

■ Improve Your Credit

Call Gudeman & Associates

844.945.5766

www.gudemanandassociates.com 1026 W. Eleven Mile | Royal Oak, MI 48067 Direct: 248.546.2800

22

MESSENGER | JUNE 2018

For more information, visit: www.mimilk.com/membership/ member-involvement/

OYDC SNAPSHOT

TOP 10

OYDC 2017 Scott & Melinda Parr ABOUT US… Herd: 300 cows, 650 total

Land: 700 acres of corn, soybeans, alfalfa

Milking facility: milking two times a day in a double 16 parallel

Local: Mid-Sanilac Local, District 8

Scott and Melinda, along with Scott’s uncle, manage Parr Dairy LLC of Brown City, Michigan. Scott’s favorite part of being a third-generation dairy farmer is being his own boss and working with family. He milks and feeds calves daily along with whatever needs done, but his favorite task is herd health.

“Living in the moment and hoping for the best in the future is how I stay positive during these trying times in the dairy industry,” said Scott. “Trying to be as cost effective and diversified also helps in the long run as well.”

The Parrs hope to pass a good legacy and livelihood to their children and future generations. They have plans to expand their cash crop business and double their herd size to allow their children to be part of the family farm when they are ready.

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

23

Proactivity is a key driver for the FARM Environmental Stewardship Module

“In an increasingly resource scarce world, we need to produce more food on the current amount of land, with less inputs and environmental impacts,” says Sandra Vijn, director for markets and food at the World Wildlife Fund, a partner in developing a reference manual for the FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) module.

BY KENDRA KISSANE, SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR

MMPA is proactively working alongside its peers in the dairy industry to accurately depict the environmental impact of dairy farming through tools like the FARM ES module. The FARM ES module allows for the collection and dissemination of information based on calculating the farm’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

With an ever-growing population on this earth and therefore more people to feed, everyone from global corporations to local consumers are concerned about how the changing planet will be able to sustain life for the future. This focus has a ripple effect, reaching the dairy industry. But in the face of outside pressures, the dairy industry’s response has been to take ownership and give farms the opportunity to speak for themselves by sharing their own environmental stewardship stories.

“I want to be the one who tells my family’s dairy farm sustainability story.

I don’t want to rely on the customer telling it for us, as it is our story—and a great one at that!”

—Kevin Dykstra PICTURED: DYKSTRA FAMILY (L TO R) MCKENZIE, KEVIN, RONDA, SANDERS, SYDNEY, AND ETHAN.

24

MESSENGER | JUNE 2018

“The FARM Environmental Stewardship Module is a natural addition to the existing FARM Program pillars, FARM Animal Care and FARM Antibiotic Residue Avoidance, because it will help

dairy farmers communicate another positive story with consumers,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). “FARM Environmental Stewardship will now begin down the important path of gaining insight, support and engagement at the cooperative and producer level.”

FARM ES uses 48 different inputs such as fuel and energy usage that explain 98 percent of the variability in a farms carbon footprint. The model was developed from a life-cycle assessment.

“You either drive disruption or you are surpassed by it,” explained Kevin Dykstra whose farm sits in the rolling hills of picturesque Wayland, Michigan. His family knows firsthand what it is like to have a third-party audit requested by a customer and understands the importance of addressing how farmers care for the environment and animals.

“I want to be the one who tells my family’s dairy farm sustainability story.

I don’t want to rely on the customer telling it for us farmers as it is our story and a great one at that,” he said.

Dykstra further explained that calculating his farm’s GHG emissions was “painless” as all he had to do was share his records from his electric company, the ration from the grain elevator, discuss how he handled his manure, and lastly what crops were self-produced with the sustainability team member.

“The milk production records are calculated by the co-op and any questions I had, the MMPA sustainability staff were able to answer,” he revealed.

The calculation process takes about 45 minutes if the producer has all the information needed to calculate GHG emissions. A sustainability integration team member calculates production records to gauge the Fat Protein Corrected Milk (FPCM) which requires the dairy farmer to only collect five

other records: production, energy consumption, feed, crops and manure management. The information the farmer will need to gather to complete the FARM ES includes a consistent year of your energy bill or kwh used, percentage of crops self-grown, the herd’s ration or dry matter intake, and an outline of the farm’s manure management system(s).

“Being proactive and addressing consumer sustainability concerns is the best solution,” says Steve Demann from Clearview Dairy Farm, which is nestled in beautiful Allegan County in southwest Michigan.

Steve represents the next generation poised to take over the Demann family farm and understands his role in addressing consumer concerns head on. With his recent completion of the FARM ES Module, he explained that he immediately saw the value of telling his family’s dairy farm sustainability story.

Knowing consumers and customers are looking for validation of greenhouse gas emissions, he didn’t think twice about working with MMPA’s sustainability team to voluntarily share his farm’s statistics.

Environmental stewardship is a key component in farm sustainability. It is so important that the National Dairy FARM Program created a reference manual to help producers improve their environmental footprint in ways that also improve farm profitability.

“The FARM Environmental Stewardship Module provides aggregated data that our customers are asking for and helps tell MMPA’s sustainability story in a measurable, science-based way. This provides value to our cooperative both financially and environmentally,” said Dean Letter, MMPA director of member services.

The FARM ES Continuous Improvement Reference Manual provides a resource that aggregates existing science and technology

“Being proactive and addressing consumer sustainability concerns is the best solution.”

— Steve Demann PICTURED: STEVE DEMANN AND MMPA ANIMAL COORDINATOR, DEB GINGRICH.

that can help us drive continuous improvement, all while tracking our progress in a way we can share with dairy customers and consumers.

The manual doesn’t need to be read from cover-to-cover, but it serves as a resource after farmers do the environmental assessment of their dairy through the FARM Program. The assessment gives regional and national averages for environmental measurements to help producers gauge where they are relative to their contemporaries and to zero in on where they may be able to improve their results.

The assessment will also help dairy producers identify potential efficiency gains and cost savings, offering them the ability to track progress in a secure, confidential platform.

“Farmers can go to specific chapters in the manual based on their assessment results to focus on areas where they might be leaving money on the table,” noted Ryan Bennett, senior director of industry and environmental affairs for NMPF. “This resource can give folks ideas on how they can both improve their bottomline and improve their footprint.”

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

25

Consumers Hungry for Information MMPA Dairy Communicator Meeting focuses on how to share their stories

their efforts throughout the state in promoting dairy.

Reiterating the message of sharing what happens on farms was keynote speaker, Donna Moenning of Center for Food Integrity (CFI).

Moenning revealed two out of three consumers have a positive impression of agriculture and want more information according to a study done by CFI. She went on to inspire the group to build on the conversations they are already having about their farms.

Following Nobis was Jolene Griffin, director of industry relations at United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM).

Griffin shared how dairy check-off dollars are being utilized around the

In a survey conducted by Center for Food Integrity, 65 percent of consumers want to know more about agriculture. “We need more people talking about agriculture. The more

BY KRISTA SCHROCK

S

ome of the Great Lakes region dairy industry’s unsung heroes are MMPA Dairy Communicators (DC).

They enthusiastically share their dairy story and tout the value in nutritious dairy products through fairs, farm tours and community events. With consumers being farther removed from where their food comes from, the importance of sharing how foodspecifically dairy, is quickly rising.

Dairy Communicators from MMPA’s 30 locals are elected annually to be the front line to educating today’s consumers and answering their questions on where milk comes from and what happens on dairy farms.

These dairy spokespeople gathered in East Lansing, Michigan at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center for their annual meeting on April 19.

The meeting opened with MMPA President Ken Nobis covering an industry and co-op update with the group. He discussed global dairy trade, importance of trade with Mexico through NAFTA and improvements made to the Margin Protection Program.

Nobis also thanked the group for

26

MESSENGER | JUNE 2018

state with the “Undeniably Dairy” campaign launched last year. She encouraged MMPA DCs to reach out to different groups and find new opportunities to share their undeniably dairy stories and continue to make a positive impression on consumers.

FROM LEFT: JOLENE GRIFFIN, UDIM; DONNA MOENNING, CFI; GERTIE VAN DEN GOOR, MMPA BOARD MEMBER AND DAIRY COMMUNICATOR; AND RAMONA OKKEMA, MMPA DAIRY COMMUNICATOR.

Dairy Communicator Service Awards During the MMPA Dairy Communicator annual meeting, individuals are honored when reaching a service milestone.

The Dairy Communicator program is for those nominated by their local to communicate and promote dairy in the interest of dairy farmers DAIRY COMMUNICATORS PLOTTED OUT THEIR PROMOTION EFFORTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO SHARE WITH THEIR PEERS.

among their communities.

30 YEARS

voices we have, the larger impact we make,” said Moenning. “It is also important that we get out to openly talk about technology, not to be a cheerleader but to engage in those conversations and ask questions.

We need to encourage people to

consider the bigger picture around these things [farm technology advancements].”

Arlene DeForest, Saline-Ann Arbor Local

She went on to explain that consumers tend to think ‘big is bad,’ however, there are more important things to talk about than just size. If consumers understand who you are and what you do, size is relative. They want to know you and your values. “The first step to talking to consumers is understand their concerns. Sharing values are three to five times more valuable than facts in making a real connection with someone,” explained Moenning.

20 YEARS

To wrap up the meeting, communicators had the opportunity to share about their scheduled events and bounce ideas off one another.

This engaging time was met with lively discussions and fellowship among attendees. Sharing tips and experiences among fellow DCs has been a highlight at past events.

Kristie Lamb, Mid-Thumb Local

“Food is personal,” reiterated Moenning. “It opens the doors, so we can share and tell our world to them. Make sure you listen and ask questions before share. Share where you have common ground.”

Kathleen Clinton, Mid-Thumb Local

Diane Foley, Deford/Clifford-Mayville Local

11 YEARS Lynda Horning, Saline-Ann Arbor Local

10 YEARS Jenny Elzinga, West Michigan Local Cami Marz-Evans, Hillsdale-Litchfield Local

Kristina Langmaack, Lansing Local Sara Lee, Mid-Sanilac Local Melissa Small, Mid-Thumb Local

5 YEARS

Richard Ultz, Constantine Local Katie Schumacher, Deford/Clifford-Mayville Local

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

27

YOUR DAIRY PROMOTION AT WORK

Celebrating the Devoted to Dairy AS YOU READ THIS, JUNE DAIRY MONTH IS WELL UNDERWAY. HOW ARE YOU CELEBRATING? SHARE WITH US A UNIQUE WAY YOU’RE PROMOTING MILK, CHEESE, ICE CREAM, YOGURT, SOUR CREAM AND CREAM CHEESE. BELOW ARE RESOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO PROMOTE YOUR FARMS AND THE MILK YOU PRODUCE!

Radio Scripts Do you have a radio station in or near your community? We created 30- and 60-second radio spots the DJs can read on air, or maybe they would let you read them. Feel free to customize.

Social Media Throughout the month on our social channels we will highlight those who are Undeniably Devoted to Dairy, from Michigan’s dairy farm families to those throughout the dairy community.

Share the scripts with your local station by dropping them off or emailing them and ask the DJs to help promote the dairy families in your community.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

CONTACT JOLENE@MILKMEANSMORE.ORG IF YOU’D LIKE TO RECEIVE THE SCRIPTS.

We also drafted dairy trivia the DJs can use to test their listeners’ dairy knowledge. If they ask a June Dairy Month trivia question, we can provide one gift basket for each farm family to give to the station as a prize. If you’d like to do more, you can order dairy promotion items from UDIM at:

IF YOU’RE POSTING ONLINE, MAKE SURE

HTTPS://WWW.MILKMEANSMORE.ORG/

• Smoothie bike kit to adhere to a bike and create smoothies to sample at events.

PROMOTIONAL-MATERIALS/

Communication e-newsletter Each month we send an e-newsletter with communication tips, dairy promotion updates, and links to your peers who participated in media interviews or who are active online.

TO INCLUDE #MILKMEANSMORE AND #UNDENIABLYDAIRY SO WE CAN SEE HOW YOU’RE CELEBRATING ALL THINGS DAIRY.

Items to borrow for dairy promotion events • Cow, milk and yogurt costumes.

TO BORROW THESE ITEMS, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE AT 517-349-8923.

TO REQUEST THE E-NEWSLETTER, CONTACT

Resources to order • Promotional items and dairy nutrition information – we add new items often!

JOLENE@MILKMEANSMORE.ORG.

TO ORDER, CALL LISA AT 517-349-8923.

COW HEADBANDS

28

We’ll also continue to promote all aspects of dairy from why milk is important in our diets to recipes that include lots of dairy.

MESSENGER | JUNE 2018

COW TATTOOS

CRAYONS (6-PACK)

Dairy Producer Grant Michigan dairy farm families can apply for up to $1,500 annually to purchase dairy foods for local community events.

Your peers across the state have used the grants to share dairy in their community by: • Hosting a school or community farm tour.

• Organizing a milk donation program for a local food bank.

• Providing dairy products after local races, or physical fitness challenge.

• Passing out dairy samples during a community parade or movie night.

Is there anything else we can provide to help you tell your dairy story? Let us know! For more information about any of the items listed, contact the UDIM office at 517-349-8923.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A T-SHIRT, WINDOW CLING, OR UNDENIABLY DAIRY CUP TO DO A MILK TOAST AND POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA? UDIM OFFERS A DAIRY GOODY FOR EVERYONE FROM COLORING BOOKS AND CRAYONS FOR KIDS TO NUTRITION EDUCATION MATERIALS TO PENS, SUNGLASSES AND MORE. VISIT HTTPS://WWW.MILKMEANSMORE.ORG/ PROMOTIONAL-MATERIALS/

DAIRY STICKERS

SMOOTHIE RECIPES

MERCHANDISE Klenzade/Holdren

Commonly replaced washer parts While everyone knows that CIP

Stock # Description 5234 .................................Plastic detergent jar 9617..................................Impeller 9620..................................Check poppet 9621..................................Jar adapter 9624..................................Stainless pump clamp 9625..................................Endplate accessory

systems work great during the

Dairy Kool/Boumatic

Stock # Description 9628..................................Switch lever 9634..................................110v coil/solenoid 9642..................................Rocker arm assembly 9648..................................Divert tube 9658..................................Pressure switch 9666..................................Divert cover accessory 9696..................................Water valve repair kit 7202..................................Jar collar accessory

week, the weekend and holidays are often a different story. If a part is going to fail, it will fail at the most inconvenient time. To prevent costly weekend service calls, it helps to keep spare parts on hand.

Mueller/Sunset

The merchandise program carries

Stock # Description 7499..................................Mueller wash cover 9234..................................Sunset impeller 1/2hp 9235..................................Sunset impeller 1hp 9301..................................Drain valve diaphragm 9302........................................Auto drain valve accessory 9303..................................Drain valve plug 1 ½” 9304..................................Drain valve plug 2” 9305..................................Drain valve gasket 1 ½” 9306..................................Drain valve gasket 2” 9310..................................Impeller 4.25” (small) 9311..................................Impeller 5” (large) 9313..................................Double H2O valve 9314..................................Single H2O valve 9316..................................Detergent jar o-ring 9317..................................Acid jar 9318..................................Detergent jar 9319..................................Detergent lid 2 hole 9320..................................Detergent lid 3 hole 9327..................................Acid jar lid 9338..................................Viton acid o-ring 9409..................................Drain valve bonnet 9502..................................220v coil/solenoid

a variety of parts for Klenzade / Holdren and Mueller wash systems, as well as some Dairy Kool / Boumatic parts. These parts range from simple o-rings, solenoids and water valves to Mueller auto drain valves and detergent dispenser jars.

We also are able to special order a large variety of parts from our vendors.

Listed at right are some of the most commonly replaced parts. Please call the warehouse for availability and prices as these can and do vary.

Chemical, Sanitizer and Teat Dip Contact Information These are service personnel only.

Order your Member Merchandise supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB 24 -Hour Medical Emergency Hotline: 1-800-328-0026 For Service, call the Ecolab Service Message Center 1-800-392-3392 or one of the following service representatives: Ben Johnson 26959 Rosanna Ct. South Bend, IN 46619 810-824-0636 Pat Mitchell 7273 N. Rollin Hwy. Addison, MI 49220 517-403-0928 Jason Wolfe 1890 Canter Dr. Riner, VA 24149 540-553-5755

1 Place order through your milk hauler 2 Call in your order:

THREE WAYS TO ORDER YOUR MMPA MERCHANDISE

Duane Farmer, Supervisor...........................................................989-317-8370

Toll Free.............................................................................................877-367-6455

Orders (Novi).......................................................... 800-572-5824 then dial 2

3. Fax in your order:

MMPA Merchandise fax................................................................ 989-317-8372

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

29

MERCHANDISE PREMIUMS

MMPA Quality Premium Program Somatic Cell Count premiums and deductions (in addition to Federal Order SCC Adjustments computed in the producer pay price) will be paid at the following levels: 50,000 or below.............................................................................. +55¢/cwt.

51,000-75,000....................................................................................... +50¢/cwt.

76,000-100,000.............................................................................. +45¢/cwt.

101,000-125,000....................................................................................+40¢/cwt.

126,000-150,000............................................................................. +35¢/cwt.

151,000-175,000.................................................................................... +30¢/cwt.

176,000-200,000............................................................................ +25¢/cwt.

201,000-225,000.................................................................................. +20¢/cwt.

226,000-250,000............................................................................ +15¢/cwt.

251,000-300,000.................................................................................+00¢/cwt.

301,000-400,000.......................................................................... - 30¢/cwt.

401,000-500,000.............................................................................. -$1.00/cwt.

501,000-600,000......................................................................... -$1.50/cwt.

MMPA Member Testing Fees Payment for testing will be made through an automatic milk check deduction. All costs are listed per individual sample.

Cow Tests: $1 Cow samples may be tested for: Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep non ag, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staph, gram negative and/or SCC. Additional testing can be coordinated through your MMPA member representative to include: Raw bacteria count and components.

All herd tests must be scheduled with the laboratory through your MMPA member representative.

Additional Tests Available: All costs are listed per individual sample.

601,000 and greater........................................................................ -$2.00/cwt.

A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below: • 10,000 Raw Bacteria Count • 20,000 Pre-Incubated (PI) Count There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for: • Greater than 100,000 Raw Bacteria Count A high raw count deduction will be waived if the producer has received the quality premium the previous three months for raw bacteria count.

To qualify for Raw and PI Bacteria Count premiums there must not be any of the following during the month: • Positive drug residue • Abnormal freeze points • High load count shipment or rejected load shipment • #3 or #4 sediment • Raw Bacteria count over 100,000 The count levels for raw and PI will be determined on one test run per month.

To qualify for MMPA SCC premiums there must be: • No abnormal freeze points during the month EU SCC Requirement All MMPA member milk must meet the requirements of European Union certification for SCC which is an average of 400,000 or less calculated by a rolling geometric mean.

• Mycoplasma Cultures.......................................................................... $14 • Bacteriology Cultures.......................................................................... $16 – Includes identification of bacteria and drug susceptibility.

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea - PCR.........................................................................................................$40 - ELISA........................................................................................................$6 • Johne’s Milk Test - PCR.........................................................................................................$40 - ELISA – cows.........................................................................................$6 - ELISA – tank......................................................................................... $10 • Bovine Leukosis Test - ELISA – cows.........................................................................................$6 - ELISA – tank......................................................................................... $10 • Milk Pregnancy ELISA.................................................................... $4.50

Lab test results by mail: $2/month All tests must be scheduled through your MMPA member representative or the laboratory for proper sample submission protocol. Lab form provided below for your convenience.

NORTHSTAR MI LABORATORIES Loc/Hlr/Producer #________________________________ Sample Date Member name_______________________________________ Sample ID BLV ELISA _________ Johne’s ELISA _________ Johne’s PCR _________ Pregnancy _________ Refer to fee schedule above for current pricing. The cost of testing is the responsibility of the producer.

To avoid potential service charges, this card MUST be filled out completely when sending samples to be tested by NorthStar Labs.

30

MESSENGER | JUNE 2018

POLICIES MERCHANDISE

MMPA Policy on Drug Residue in Milk MILK ON FARM – DRUG RESIDUE SUSPECTED

MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE DRUGS CONFIRMED

If a member suspects milk in the farm bulk tank contains drug residue:

If a member ships milk from the farm and testing by approved laboratory methods show that the milk contained drug residue, the member will be assessed the penalties imposed by the state regulatory agency and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums.

1 Call a MMPA member representative to have the milk in the tank tested. A “hold” must be placed on the tank contents until the test results are known.

OR 2 The member can test the milk on the farm. If dumped, the member must be sure to take the stick reading, record the number of pounds of milk and report the information to their member representative.

• If the tank tests negative (no drugs present), the milk may be released and shipped.

• If the tank tests positive (drugs present), the member representative will authorize the member to dump the tank of milk. The member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.* • If for any reason MMPA personnel must pick up samples at the farm for testing three or more times within 12 consecutive months, the member involved will be charged $25 per trip.

If a loss is incurred by MMPA due to the disposal and/or non-marketability of a load of milk or milk products containing drug residue, then the member responsible will be provided an invoice for the entire value of the loss plus transportation and disposal costs as required by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.

This invoice may be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier.

MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made.

Milk from that member’s farm tank must be tested and found clear of drugs before the next tank of milk can be picked up.

A hauler whose entire load sample shows the presence of drugs will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all show negative.

ALL POSITIVE DRUG RESIDUE SHIPMENTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.

MMPA Milk Quality Policy QUALITY QUESTIONABLE

REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

When a member suspects that the milk in the farm bulk tank is of poor quality they should call a MMPA member representative who will authorize milk in the tank to be dumped. If the member dumps the milk on their own, they must be sure to take the stick reading and record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to the member representative.

If…

If the milk is dumped, the member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.* In order to receive payment for an added water voluntary dump, the member must install a Swingline Safety Switch. The Swingline Safety Switch can be ordered from the Mt. Pleasant warehouse. The MMPA member representative will verify the switch has been installed.

Reimbursement for the Swingline Safety Switch and the voluntary dump will then be made to the member.

The member assumes all liability for losses incurred as a result of shipping poor quality or contaminated milk.

MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COUNT

If… 1 a load of milk is received (unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and, 2 a sample from the load has a bacteria count of 300,000 or more and, 3 testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members having a bacteria count of 300,000 or more, then the member or members involved will be charged the value of one-half of one day’s production** and will be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums. * The member will only be paid for two (2) voluntary dumps in a rolling 12 month period. ** For members using more than one bulk tank, the assessment will be based on the value of milk in the tank or tanks in violation of the MMPA quality policy

1 a load of milk is rejected (not unloaded) at a dairy processing plant and, 2 the milk cannot be sold through normal Grade A channels for reasons of quality which results in the load being sold or disposed of at a loss to MMPA, and, 3 testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members that caused the contamination or rejection of the load, then, the member or members responsible will be charged the full value of the loss to MMPA plus transportation and disposal costs, and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums except for loads rejected for temperature.

4 MMPA will provide an invoice to the member for the amount of the loss, to be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made.

If a member has three or more occurrences within 12 consecutive months, that member must appear before the MMPA board of directors to review steps taken on the farm to correct the quality problem which will enable MMPA to continue to market the milk for this member.

HAULER A hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 cells per mL bacteria count will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all are less than 100,000.

A hauler will be responsible for all costs incurred by MMPA for loads rejected for temperature.

Charges and assessments made under this program will be withheld from milk checks of members or haulers involved.

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

31

FREELINERS

TO SUBMIT ADS VISIT WWW.MIMILK.COM/MICHIGAN-MILK-MESSENGER/ADVERTISE/FREELINER-AND-CLASSIFIED-ADS

Bulls

Freeliner Policy

5350 Gallon Dumar Liquid Spreader, looks like new.

The Freeliners column is open to current MMPA members who wish to advertise— at no charge—goods or services relating directly to their dairy farm operations.

• An item submitted will be published for no more than two consecutive months (one month, unless otherwise requested). After that, it will be withdrawn.

• It will be published again for no more than two consecutive months only if the member resubmits the item by writing or calling the Novi office.

• Reference to a name of a firm or other commercial enterprise with which a member is involved will be deleted, with permission of the member.

• If the member does not wish such deletion, he/she may choose to have the item published as a Classified Ad at the regular per-line Classified Ad rate.

• Freeliners must be received by the 10th of the month preceding desired month of publication.

Service age Holstein bulls. Call

616-218-9350 or 616-218-7125.

Steve Alexander, 810-622-8548 evenings or 810-404-8548.

936 Versatile 4-wheel drive, good runner. 616-218-9350 or

Crossbred Bulls. 100% AI.

616-218-7125.

810-724-8825.

New Holland Model 892 Forage Harvester with hay head and

Cows

#824 two-row corn head, electric

20 Holstein cows, average 70#, 3.85 BFT, Scc 85. Most of the cows are in 1st and 2nd lactation, asking $1,200 per cow. Call 231-228-5457.

controls, 1,000 RPM PTO. Comes with extra discharge chute and re-cutter screen. Good working condition, $3,500. Call 989-5747229.

Equipment

Milking Equipment

John Deere 3970 Chopper with 7 ft. hay head, always housed, very good condition. 616-218-9350

BouMatic Glacier bulk tank, 1250 gallons has (2) 3-horse compressors, does not leak

or 616-218-7125.

Freon approximately 10 years old, complete with washer, asking $8500 or best offer. Call 989-884-2203.

Double 5 Surge Auto Flow Parlor.

616-218-9350 or 616-218-7125.

LEGENDAIRY. No bull.

Co-Products Menu

Soybean meal, canola meal, hominy, oat hulls, wheat midds, citrus pulp, malt sprouts, beet pulp, soybean hulls, cereal feed, cottonseed, distillers, gluten feed, wet feeds and more!

Misc.

Small square and round bales of straw. 989-553-2683.

Wanted

Non-GMO

products available

Contact merchandisers at ZFS, Inc: MI/IN/OH: 866.888.7082 WI: 800-523-6760 www.zfsinc.com/divisions/ingredients

Used Milk Bar 5 and 10 nipple feeders. Emmons Dairy Farm, Clark Emmons, Ohio/Michigan/ Indiana line. 419-466-4471.

32

MESSENGER | JUNE 2018

CLASSIFIED ADS

Cost for classifieds is $20 per ad, up to six lines. All ads must be received by the 10th of the month before the month of desired publication. Send check or money order for $20 for up to 6 lines with your order.

MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services advertised in the Messenger. You may submit your ads by:

MAIL:

Classified Ads

Michigan Milk Messenger

P.O. BOX 800

Novi, MI 48376-8002

EMAIL: Muszynski@mimilk.com

DRY HAY & STRAW (large & small bales) & BARLEY FOR FEED. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

ALFALFA HAYLAGE (excellent & fair grades) & CORN SILAGE. Call 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

NEW KATOLIGHT PTO GENERATOR, 60 KW, keep everyone warm and producing if there is a power outage. Call Brent at 248-770-5122.

HOOF TRIMMING - 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. Also doing fly control and cement grooving. Gibson Hoof Care (Tom) 989-239-6843.

FAX: 248-426-3412

FOR SALE: CORN SILAGE AND BEET PULP. Stored under two OPPERMAN GROOVING: We can fix your scabbled floors. Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete. No hoof damage. Call Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland. 517-647-7381.

DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: NO water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. Three operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. 1987.

Call 1-800-365-3361.

CONCRETE GROOVING BY TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. (800) 554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com.

A SURE WAY TO KEEP YOUR COWS UPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/ texturing provides high quality traction in new & old concrete, fast service. Call for your below pricing 989-635-1494. BLUE RIBBON HOOF TRIMMING, LLC. FOR SALE: NEW & USED MILK TANKS. We stock all sizes, makes, models. Special prices to co-op members, corporate & private farms.

Contact us anytime day or night.

Spring special 2000 gal. Muellers for $13,900 & up. 2700 & 4000 gal.

Muellers call for quote. 800-558-0112.

layers of plastic with tire sidewalls touching each other. Aron Whitaker, Elsie, MI. 989-666-6565 OPEN POLLINATED CORN SEED. Early varieties ***Green Haven Open Pollinated Seed Group 607566-9253. www.openpollinated. com.

PROFESSIONAL AGENTS, PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. Insuring all types of farms and orchards. Health/Life/ Home/Auto and Small Business coverage. Legacy planning and Wealth Management Services also available. Call today, 269-506-2057 Licensed in MI and IN. BARN WHITE WASHING AND CLEANING WITH HIGH PRESSURE AIR. Serving all Michigan and Indiana. Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776.

PTO and Automatic Start Generators 1-800-248-8070 M-40 South Hamilton, MI 49419 www.hamiltondist.com

Concrete Grooving and Texturing Call: Jeff Brisky - Owner Toll Free: 1-800-294-1202 Cell: 1-716-353-1137

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS OVER 100 SERVICE AGE BULLS FOR YOUR SELECTION! A special herd sire or a truck load of breeder bulls.

Ready to go to work on your farm!

• Sired by the top sires from the U.S. and Canada • From our top production cows

GREEN MEADOW FARMS 6400 Hollister Road, Elsie, MI 48831 Phone: 989-862-4291

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

33

MARKET REPORT

Statistical Summary | FOR MILK MARKETED IN APRIL 2018 AMS Survey Prices (monthly average, per pound)

Cheese 1.5737 / LB

Market Statistics - Mideast Federal Order #33

# This Month # Year Ago % Change Total Class 1 Sales

505,481,984

502,147,867

+0.66

Total Class 2 Sales

340,551,980

365,267,255

-6.77

Total Class 3 Sales

539,500,135

644,880,538

-16.34

Total Class 4 Sales

290,114,291

330,314,575

-12.17

1,675,648,390

1,842,610,235

-9.06

Total Production Class 1 Utilization

30.2% 27.3%

Mideast Federal Order #33 Total Producers...............................................................................4,545 Avg. Daily Production per farm....................................................12,289 Avg. Protein Test...........................................................................3.14%

Butter 2.2452 / LB

Avg. Butterfat Test.........................................................................3.88% Avg. Oth Solids Test......................................................................5.78% Avg. SCC - MMPA......................................................................150,000

Component Pricing Information Mideast Federal Order #33 Protein Price /lb.......................................................................... $1.7810

Milk Powders

Other Solids Price /lb................................................................. $0.0619

Nonfat Dry Milk

Class III Price @ 3.5%.................................................................... $14.47

0.7134 / LB

Prod. Price Diff /cwt. - Mich Mkt................................................... ($0.04)

Dry Whey

Uniform Price @ 3.5%................................................................... $14.43

0.2592 / LB

SCC Adjustment /cwt /1000..................................................... $0.00079

National Trends* (production in millions of pounds)

*For 23 States 34

Butterfat Price /lb....................................................................... $2.5113

MESSENGER | JUNE 2018

California Wisconsin New York Idaho Pennsylvania Michigan Texas Minnesota New Mexico Washington Ohio Indiana Total U.S. U.S Y-T-D

2018

2017

% Change

3,455 2,523 1,238 1,234 932 935 1,097 813 723 560 469 367 17,312 68,348

3,440 2,539 1,268 1,192 948 948 1,025 831 705 543 481 364 17,200 67,402

+0.4 -0.6 -2.4 +3.5 -1.7 -1.4 +7.0 -2.2 +2.6 +3.1 -2.5 +0.8 +0.7 +1.4

MMPA STAFF MERCHANDISE

MMPA Field Staff

Novi Headquarters

Manager of Field Services Ben Chapin, Blanchard......................................989-289-0731

Main Office Local line...................................................... 248-474-6672 Toll free......................................................... 800-572-5824

Northwest Area Supervisor Sarah Michalek, Dewitt.....................................248-305-0537 Animal Care Coordinator Deb Gingrich, Leroy...........................................248-520-3580 Frank Brazeau, Oconto, WI................................906-250-0337 Lyndsay Earl, Ludington.....................................231-519-2455 Elyse Martin, Charlotte......................................810-701-6460 Bridget Moore, Perrinton...................................231-414-4539 Dirk Okkema, Blanchard.................................. 248-756-2062

East Area Supervisor & Mastitis Management Specialist Christy Dinsmoore, Vassar.................................248-513-7920 Animal Care Coordinator Lindsay Green, East Lansing...............................989-488-8159 Ashley Herriman, Herron...................................269-245-6632 Laura Lubeski, Bad Axe......................................248-826-6294 Joe Packard, Manchester...................................248-520-3481 Emily Peacock, Otisville......................................248-826-7243

South Area

General Manager Joe Diglio................................................................ ext. 202 Chief Financial Officer Josep Barenys......................................................... ext. 240

Board of Directors

Hedging and Business Development Aaron Beak............................................................. ext. 256

Officers

Controller Shelly Bonnici.......................................................... ext. 249

Ken Nobis, President

Member and Government Relations Sheila Burkhardt..................................................... ext. 208

Eric Frahm, Treasurer

Management Information Systems Andrew Caldwell.....................................................ext. 304

Josep Barenys, Asst. Treasurer

Quality Amandeep Dhillon.................................................. ext. 305 Sales James Feeney.......................................................... ext. 258 Manufacturing Kaylan Kennel............................................... 248-880-5413 Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula........................................................... ext. 219

Supervisor Dave Brady, Grass Lake......................................517-937-9061

Member Services Dean Letter................................................... 989-289-9251

Energy Auditor Ed Zuchnik, Three Rivers....................................269-967-7351

Credit/Insurance Cheryl Schmandt.................................................... ext. 210

Brittni Tucker, Wyoming....................................248-880-3785 Rachel Botta, Findlay, OH...................................248-533-2288 Steve Post, White Pigeon...................................248-938-1555

Communications Allison Stuby Miller................................................. ext. 296 Krista Schrock............................................... 269-986-6792

Other Member Services

Supply Chain Therese Tierney....................................................... ext. 217

Bulk Tank Calibration John Lehman, Elsie............................................248-444-6775

Member Relations Jessica Welch.......................................................... ext. 303

Sustainability Coordinator Kendra Kissane, Byron Center...........................248-880-4234

Human Resources Bill Zoli.................................................................... ext. 301

Raw Milk Compliance Manager Steve Lehman, Ithaca........................................989-330-1638

MMPA Labs Novi (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

In Michigan....................................................800-572-5824 Toll Free 800-233-2405 Ovid (Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.)..................... 989-834-2515 Constantine (Daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.).........800-391-7560

Manufacturing Plants Constantine, Michigan Dave Davis, Plant Manager............................ 269-435-2835 Ovid, Michigan Ron Steinhorst, Plant Manager...................... 989-834-2221 Middlebury Cheese Company Middlebury, Indiana ................................ 574-825-9511

Merchandise - Mt. Pleasant Supervisor: Duane Farmer Main Line......................................................... 989-317-8370 Toll Free............................................................ 877-367-6455 Orders (Novi)..................................800-572-5824, then dial 2 Fax................................................................... 989-317-8372 Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor Katie Pierson.....................................................989-289-9686

If you are unable to reach your assigned member representative, please contact the representatives listed in your area. Your assigned member representative is listed on your quality statements or can be found by visiting mimilk.com/contact/ field-staff and searching by your producer number.

Kris Wardin, Vice President

Joe Diglio, GM / Secretary

Todd Hoppe, General Counsel Directors-At-Large Ken Nobis, St. Johns 989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 202 Kris Wardin, St. Johns 989-640-9420 Gertie van den Goor, Marlette 989-550-8453 Carlton Evans, Litchfield 517-398-0629 Mark Iciek, Gladwin 989-387-4767 District Directors 1 Hank Choate Cement City 517-529-9032 2 Tim Hood Paw Paw 269-657-5771 3 David Pyle Zeeland 616-772-1512 4 Corby Werth Alpena 989-464-5436 5 Doug Chapin Remus 231-349-4059 6 Tony Jandernoa Fowler 989-593-2224 7 Eric Frahm Frankenmuth 989-652-3552 8 Scott Lamb Jeddo 810-327-6135

JUNE 2018 | MESSENGER

35

P.O. Box 8002 Novi, MI 48376

Own it.

Love it.

MEMBERS SAVE 20% Online shopping now avaliable at heritageridgecreamery.com Members have the option to shop online, in store or at the MMPA Mt. Pleasant warehouse and recieve their member discount. See details in the April Member Connection newsletter.

11275 W. 250 N., Middlebury, IN 46540 Âť 574-825-9511 Âť heritageridgecreamery.com